Assembly and method for left atrial appendage occlusion

ABSTRACT

An assembly and method for performing the occlusion of the left atrial appendage including a delivery instrument being positioned in communicating relation with the interior of the left atrial appendage and disposing a distal end portion of the delivery instrument in covering relation to the entrance thereof. Occlusion material is movably connected to the delivery instrument and includes at least one elongated single strand of flexible material. A length of the single strand is progressively fed through the delivery instrument into the interior of the left atrial appendage and the flexibility thereof is sufficient to progressively form an arbitrarily intermingled array of occlusion material therein. The dimension and configuration of the formed arbitrarily intermingled array is sufficient to fill a predetermined portion of the interior of the left atrial appendage and thereby conform to the configuration thereof.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of previously filed, now pending application having Ser. No. 13/714,989, filed on Dec. 14, 2012.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to an assembly and method for performing the occlusion of a left atrial appendage of the heart and includes a delivery instrument having occlusion material movably connected thereto and disposable outwardly therefrom. The occlusion material comprises at least one elongated single strand of flexible material having sufficient flexibility to progressively form an arbitrarily intermingled array of occlusion material within the interior of the left atrial appendage as it is progressively fed therein in a manner which substantially fills and conforms to the interior configuration thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a muscular pouch connected to the left atrium of the heart. It functions as a reservoir for the left atrium but may present serious consequences or problems to the individual when blood pools therein. Such pooling of blood in the appendage may arise spontaneously or due to atrial fibrillation and may result in the formation of blood clots. Moreover, the exiting of the formed blood clot from the interior of the left atrial appendage into the blood stream can cause serious problems when they embolize in the arterial system. Importantly, embolization of these clots is a frequent cause of stroke. Accordingly, it is extremely important to prevent such blood clot formation and/or the migration of a formed clot from the interior of the left atrial appendage in order to reduce the possibility of stroke occurrence, especially in patients with atrial fibrillation.

One common method of reducing the risk of clot formation is the treatment of an individual with anticoagulants such as but not limited to Warfarin. While this method has been generally effective in reducing the occurrence of strokes in a treated patient, such strokes may still occur if there is a necessary or inadvertent lapse of treatment. An additional disadvantage or problem in the anticoagulant treatment is the fact that it is contraindicated in some patients. Another method of treatment in trying to reduce clotting and embolization leading to a stroke includes left atrial appendage obliteration. Obliteration procedures may occur during open cardiac surgery or, less invasively, during thoracoscopic procedure. However, it is recognized that numerous patients with a high risk of stroke are not candidates for such procedures because of a compromised status in their health.

Due to the disadvantages and problems with the above noted treatment procedures, extensive developmental advancements have been attempted with left atrial appendage occlusion. This is a treatment strategy which is directed to the prevention of blood clot formation within the interior of the left atrial appendage. Known occlusion procedures include the use of the “WATCHMAN device” manufactured by Atritech, Inc., of Plymouth Minn., which is intended for use in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF), where heart surgery is a backup. Another device commonly termed “PLAATO” (Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Transcatether Occlusion) was generally recognized as the first left atrial appendage occlusion device. Both of the above noted LAA occlusion systems are introduced into the right atrium and are then passed into the left atrium through a patent formen ovale or through a puncture hole in the septum wall.

Known and/or recognized adverse events and limitations of the above noted procedures include pericardial effusion, incomplete LAA closure, dislodgment of the occluding device, blood clot formation on the device itself, requiring prolonged oral anticoagulation administration, as well as the general risks associated with catheter based techniques, such as air embolism.

Accordingly, there is a need in the medical arts for an effective procedure for overcoming the dangers associated with blood clot migration within the interior of the left atrial appendage. Such a proposed and improved treatment procedure should is reliable, safe and overcome the disadvantages and problems associated with known treatments of the type set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an assembly and method for performing an occlusion of the left atrial appendage in a safe and effective manner which overcomes many of the disadvantages associated with known medical techniques for preventing blood clot migration from the interior of the left atrial appendage.

Accordingly, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a delivery instrument including a distal end portion. The delivery instrument is structured to dispose the distal end portion in aligned and/or communicating relation with the left atrial appendage including the entrance thereof. In addition, occlusion material comprising at least one elongated, single strand of flexible material is movably mounted on or connected to the delivery instrument and positioned therewith through the heart into communicating relation with the interior of the left atrial appendage.

In at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention the occlusion material comprises a single strand of elongated, flexible material such, but not limited to, nitinol wire. Its cooperative disposition and structuring relative to the delivery instrument and distal end portion facilitates a portion of the length of the one single strand of occlusion material to be movable along a portion of the delivery instrument and preferably through an interior lumen thereof. Similarly, the length of the single strand is movable outwardly from and preferably through the distal end portion into the interior of the left atrial appendage. In more specific terms, at least a portion of the length of the one single strand of occlusion material is movably disposed on or within the delivery instrument and is progressively movable through the distal end as it is fed into the interior of the left atrial appendage. Upon entry and due at least in part to the flexibility as well as the progressive feeding or passage thereof, the one single strand of occlusion material will form an “arbitrarily intermingled array” of the occlusion material within the interior of the left atrial appendage, as an additional amount or length of the single strand enters the appendage interior.

It is emphasized that the terminology used herein, specifically including “arbitrarily intermingled array”, when referring to the occlusion material within the appendage material, may be accurately described as various portions of the length of the single strand being folded, looped, curled, etc., about itself as the interior of the appendage progressively begins to fill. Accordingly, the location and/or position of the various portions of the length within the appendage interior, relative to each other and to the interior surfaces or portions of the appendage, will always be inconsistently disposed and therefore “arbitrarily intermingled” or intermixed with one another, such as when applied to different left atrial appendages of different patients. Further, the various portions of the length of the single strand, forming the arbitrary intermingled array, are not connected or attached to one another or to the interior tissue portions of the left atrial appendage.

Therefore, the single strand of occlusion material will differ from know or conventional occlusion devices known in the art. More specifically, the single strand of occlusion material will not be formed into a consistently structured frame, network, pattern or like occluding device, having a substantially predetermined configuration, shape or size, as the single strand is progressively fed into the interior of the left atrial appendage. In contrast, the one single strand of occlusion material, due at least in part to its flexibility as well as its progressive entry into the appendage interior, will form differently shaped and dimensioned “arrays” of occlusion material comprising intermixed, folded, overlapping, curled, etc. segments of the length each time it is applied to the left atrial appendage of a different patient. As should be apparent, the “arbitrarily intermixed array” of occlusion material may also be of different dimensions and configurations dependent at least in part on the size of the left atrial appendage to which it is applied.

Moreover, in at least one preferred embodiment, one end of the one single strand of occlusion material may be fixedly connected to the distal end portion and movable therewith into aligned, communicating relation with the interior of the left atrial appendage. This will prevent an inadvertent puncture or penetration of a loose or free end of the single strand into the wall tissue of the corresponding left atrial appendage being treated. As a result and as emphasized in greater detail herein, each progressively formed array disposed within the interiors of the left atrial appendage of different patients will be effectively “arbitrary” in size, dimension, disposition, etc.

Additional features of the delivery instrument, specifically including the distal end portion is its structural and operative features which enable it to be used as a closure structure. Therefore, when aligned and/or disposed in communication with the interior of the appendage, the distal end portion may be disposed in covering, closing relation to the entrance to the left arterial appendage in a secure manner. As a result, the progressively formed arbitrarily intermingled array of occlusion material, as well as any blood clot interacting therewith, will be prevented from exiting the left atrial appendage but will remain therein. Further, the distal end and/or closure structure may be selectively disposed into a closing orientation. The closing orientation may be more specifically defined by a radially outward expansion thereof into an increased dimension and configuration which facilitates the closing and/or covering of the appendage entrance. When so disposed, the distal end portion and/or closure structure defined thereby may be disconnected from a remainder of the delivery instrument. Thereafter, the remainder of the delivery instrument may be subsequently removed after single strand of occlusion material has been delivered and the occlusion of the left atrial appendage has been accomplished.

Other structural features which may be directly associated with the movable distal end portion and/or cover structure is the provision of the outer face or surface portion formed of a non-liquid non-permeable material such as, but not limited to Decron® as such, blood and blood flow is prevented from passing through the distal end portion/closure structure once it is disposed and expanded into its closing orientation and further disposed in closing relation to the appendage entrance.

Utilizing the assembly of the present invention as set forth above the intended method for accomplishing left atrial appendage occlusion includes positioning the delivery instrument in communicating relation with the interior of the left atrial appendage and expanding the removable distal end portion or cover structure associated therewith into a closing orientation. The closing orientation of the cover structure is sufficient to close and/or cover the entrance, wherein an inner extremity of the distal end portion or cover structure is disposed at least partially within the interior of the left atrial appendage. The cover structure is then connected or secured to the appendage entrance and at least one single strand of occlusion material is progressively fed into the interior of the left atrial appendage. In doing so, the arbitrarily intermingled array of occlusion material is progressively formed until a sufficient quantity or length of the one single strand is disposed within the interior of the appendage is of sufficient size and shape to correspond to the interior dimension and configuration of the left atrial appendage. As a result, any pooling of blood within the interior of the appendage will interact with the arbitrarily intermingled array of occlusion material, such that any clotting of blood will be directly associated with the occlusion material itself.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of one preferred embodiment of a delivery instrument of the present invention structured for performing the occlusion of the left atrial appendage of the human heart.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of another embodiment of the delivery instrument similar in operation to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of the delivery instrument in a contracted orientation which facilitates entry into the heart and access to the left atrial appendage.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view in partial cutaway and interior section of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view in partial cutaway and interior section of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 representing the distal end portion of the delivery instrument in an expanded orientation.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the distal end portion of the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 wherein the distal end portion is disconnected from the remainder of the delivery instrument and is disposed in the expanded orientation.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are sequential steps in the attendant method of the present invention, wherein at least one single strand of occlusion material is progressively delivered into the interior of the left atrial appendage and the formation thereof into an arbitrarily intermingled array which accomplishes the intended occlusion.

FIGS. 8A-8C are perspective schematic views in partial cutaway representing successive positioning of another embodiment of a cover structure of the present invention in closing relation to the interior of the left atrial appendage.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 when in a cover structure thereof is in a collapsed orientation.

FIG. 10A is a detailed view of portion “A” of FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 wherein the cover structure is in an expanded orientation.

FIG. 12 is a transverse sectional view and partial cutaway of the cover structure of the embodiments of FIGS. 9 through 11 in an expanded orientation wherein occlusion material associated therewith is dispensed therefrom.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cover structure of the present invention in a covering relation to the entrance of the left atrial appendage wherein cover structure is in conformance with the peripheral configuration of the entrance.

FIG. 14 is an end view of the cover structure of the embodiments of FIGS. 9 through 13 in an expanded orientation.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a detailed view in partial cutaway of the distal end of one of a plurality of ribs associated with the cover structure of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 15, when the cover structure is in a collapsed orientation.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view in partial cutaway of one distal end of one of a plurality of ribs and an included gripping member connected thereto when the cover structure is in an expanded orientation.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is directed to an instrument assembly and attendant method for accomplishing the occlusion of a left atrial appendage as schematically and collectively represented in the accompanying Figures.

More specifically with primary reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention include a delivery instrument generally indicated as 10, which may include an elongated catheter, or delivery tube 12. The delivery catheter 12 includes an interior lumen or channel as schematically represented in FIGS. 4 and 5 and described in greater detail herein. The delivery instrument 10 also includes a distal end portion generally indicated as 14 movable with the delivery catheter 12 and selectively removable therefrom. As such, the distal end portion 14 is positioned in aligned and communicating relation with the entrance 100 and the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage, generally and schematically represented as 104 in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The distal end portion 14 may also define a cover structure for closing and/or covering the entrance 100 of the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage 104, when properly disposed into an expanded orientation or closing orientation, as represented in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 a and 7B.

Therefore, when in the expanded orientation, the distal end portion or cover structure 14 facilitates the delivery of the single strand 20 of occlusion material, generally indicated as 106, into the interior 102 of the appendage 104, from the delivery instrument 10. As represented, the occlusion material comprises at least one single strand 20 or a plurality of single strands (not shown). In either application, the at least one single strand 20 is movably mounted on and connected to the delivery instrument 10, and is disposable outwardly from the delivery instrument 10. More specifically the at least one single strand 20 is disposable outwardly from the distal end portion or cover structure 14, such as through the distal extremity 22 thereof, into the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage 104. Moreover in the various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the at least one single strand 20 of occlusion material may have at least a portion of its length initially stored and movable within the interior of the delivery catheter or tube 12. A supply of such occlusion material may be mounted on and/or otherwise operatively associated with the delivery instrument 10. Accordingly, the at least one single strand is “progressively” fed or delivered outwardly from the delivery instrument 10 preferably through the interior thereof and through the interior of the distal end portion 14, into the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage 104.

Additional structural features of the delivery instrument 10, specifically includes the distal end portion or cover structure 14, being removably attached to a corresponding end of the delivery catheter 12, such as by a removable hub as at 24. It is emphasized that the delivery instrument 10, as well as the distal end portion or cover structure 14, may assume a variety of different structural and operative features which facilitate the delivery of the occlusion material 106, in the form of the at least one single strand of flexible material 20, progressively into the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage 104. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a threaded linkage assembly, generally indicated as 26, is directly associated with the distal end portion 14. As such, the threaded linkage 26 is operatively structured to interact with interior portions of the delivery tube or catheter 12, such as at member 24′. As such, rotation of the interior rod 12′ will serve to rotate the threaded linkage 26 through interaction with the thread member 24′. This in turn will cause an outward, radial expansion of the distal end portion 14 into what may be referred to as the aforementioned expanded orientation or closing orientation as it is disposed in covering or closing relation to the entrance 100 of the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage 104.

Therefore, the associated hub 24 may include internal threads or other features which, when rotated, will force a longitudinal movement of the hub 24 along the threaded linkage 26 as schematically represented by directional arrow 27. Such longitudinal movement of the connecting hub 24 towards the distal extremity 22 of the distal end portion 14 will cause an outward, radial expansion of a plurality of flexible material ribs 30, which collectively define the side wall portions of the distal end portion 14. The flexibility of the ribs 30 is demonstrated by the different positions or orientations thereof such as when the distal end portion 14 is connected to the corresponding end of the delivery tube or catheter 12 in its compacted orientation prior to expansion. In addition, the end or extremity 26′ of the threaded linkage 26 may also be structured to facilitate the detachment or disconnection of the distal end portion 14 from the remainder of the delivery instrument 10 and/or delivery catheter 12 through appropriate manipulation of the remainder of the delivery instrument 10 as should be apparent.

It is of further note that the structure of the distal end portion or cover structure 14 may vary significantly in facilitating the selective positioning into its expanded orientation or closing orientation in order to facilitate it covering or closing the entrance 100 of the left atrial appendage 104. It is to be further noted that the size and/or configuration of the distal end portion and/or cover structure 14 may vary at least partially based on the degree of outward or radial expansion. The variances in circumferential and/or diametrical dimension facilitate the proper sizing and positioning of the distal end portion or cover structure 14 into covering or closing relation to the entrance 100, as schematically represented in FIGS. 7A and 7B. As also represented throughout the Figures, the delivery instrument 10, specifically including both the delivery catheter 12 and the distal end portion 14, may be further structured to accommodate the passage of the single strand 20 of occlusion material through the interior of the delivery tube or catheter 12 and through the interior of the distal end portion 14 out of the distal extremity 22 of the distal end portion 14.

With primary reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the distal end portion or cover structure 14 may include an outer face 40 which is formed from a liquid impermeable material such as, but not limited to, Dacron™. As such, the outer face 40 serves to restrict the flow of fluid between the left atrium and the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage 104. Similarly, the exterior face 40, as well as the structure of the plurality of side ribs 30, serve to restrict the migration of any blood or blood clot from the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage 104, especially due to the fact that a pooling of blood or resultant blood clot will intermix or interact with the occlusion material 106. As used herein, the term exterior face 40 is descriptive of the location of the liquid impermeable face 40 within the interior of the atrium but substantially or entirely excluded from the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage 104.

Further with regard to FIG. 1, the distal end portion or cover structure 14 may also include one or more gripping members 42 preferably, but not exclusively, disposed about the outer periphery of the distal end portion 14 and/or exterior face 40. The disposition and structure of the gripping members 42 is such as to facilitate a secure, fixed attachment such as by, but not limited to, penetration of the distal end portion and/or cover structure 14 in its closing or covering relation to the entrance 100 of the left atrial appendage 104. Gripping engagement and/or interaction of the gripping member 42 are also schematically represented in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a structural and operative variation of the cover structure and is generally represented as 114 in FIG. 8A-8C. More specifically, the cover structure 114 comprises a plurality of ribs 130 structured an initially disposed to move with and relative to the delivery tube or catheter 12. Moreover, the ribs 130 may be extended out of the distal end of the delivery tube 12 and through an outer sheath or like structure 13 into a radially expanded position and closing orientation relative to the entrance to the interior 104 of the left atrial appendage 102, as represented in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Although not shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, Dacron or other appropriate material 40 may be used on or at least partially define the outer face of the cover structure 114, as described with references to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

Moreover, each or at least some of the ribs 130 include a pointed or other appropriately configured outer end 142 which engages and connects, such as by penetration, to the tissue substantially comprising the outer periphery of the entrance 100 of the left atrial appendage 102. Such positioning of the outer ends 142 will maintain the cover structure 114 in the expanded orientation and closing relation to the entrance 100 of the interior 102 as represented in FIGS. 8B and 8C. Once so positioned and after the single strand 20 of occlusion material 106 has been progressively passed into the interior 102 in the form of the arbitrarily intermingled array 110, the remainder of the delivery instrument 10′ and catheter 12 are detached from the cover structure 114 and removed from the site.

With primary reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the occlusion material in one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention comprises the at least one single strand 20 of elongated, flexible material. The material from which the single strand 20 is formed may include, but not be limited to, a nitinol wire or chord. While the progressive feeding of the at least one single strand 20 into the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage 104 is described with reference to and in terms of the structure of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the described procedure and/or method is substantially the when the embodiment of FIGS. 8A-8C are used. The cooperative disposition and structure of the at least one single strand relative to the delivery instrument 10, delivery tube or catheter 12 and distal end portion 14 facilitates a portion of the length of the one single strand 20 being movable preferably through an interior of the delivery instrument 10, as schematically represented in FIGS. 4 and 5. Similarly, the length of the single strand 20 is movable through and outwardly from the distal end portion and/or cover structure 14 into the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage 104. More specifically, at least a portion of the length of the at least one single strand 20 of occlusion material 106 is movably disposed on or within the delivery instrument and is progressively movable through the distal end or cover structure 14, as it is fed into the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage 104.

Upon entry and due at least in part to the flexibility as well as the progressive feeding or passage of the one single strand 20, it will progressively form into an “arbitrarily intermingled array” 110 of the occlusion material 106 as clearly represented in FIG. 7B. As should be apparent, once the distal end portion and/or closure structure 14 is in the covering or closing relation to the entrance 100, as in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the delivery instrument 10 may be selectively manipulated so as to force movement or passage of the one single strand 20 of occlusion material into the interior 102. Further, as demonstrated in FIG. 7B as additional amounts or lengths of the single strand 20 enters the appendage interior 102 the “arbitrarily intermingled array” 110 of the interiorly collected occlusion material 106 will be progressively formed.

It is emphasized that the term “arbitrarily intermingled array” 110 when describing the occlusion material 106, may serve to accurately describe the various portions of the length of the single strand 20 being folded, looped, curled, intermingled, etc. about itself as the interior 102 of the appendage 104 begins to fill, as schematically and successively represented in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Therefore, the rotation and/or position of the various portions of the length of the single strand 20 within the appendage interior 102 will be “inconsistently” arranged and therefore “arbitrarily intermingled” or intermixed with one another, when the occlusion material 106 is applied to different left atrial appendages 104 of different patients. It is further emphasized that in one or more preferred embodiments, the various portions of the length of the single strand 20 will form the arbitrary intermingled array 110 and will not necessarily be connected or attached to one another and not connected or attached to the tissue portions within the left atrial appendage 104. Therefore and as indicated above, due at least in part to the flexibility as well as the progressive entry of the at least one single strand 20 into the appendage interior 102, the at least one single strand 20 will form differently shaped and dimensioned “arrays” 110 of occlusion material 106, as the various portions of the length of the one single strand 20 are intermixed in folding, overlapping, curled, etc. relation to one another.

As schematically represented, the arbitrarily intermingled array 110 of occlusion material 106 may have different dimensions and/or configurations depending at least in part on the size of the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage 104 to which it is applied. In at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the arbitrarily intermingled array 110 is dimensioned and configured to fill at least a majority of the interior 102 of the appendage 104 and/or substantially fill the entirety thereof. When so filled, the arbitrarily intermingled array 110 will substantially conform or correspond to the interior configuration of the left atrial appendage 104, in the manner clearly represented in FIG. 7B.

This partial filling or complete filling will thereby serve to accomplish an intended interaction of any blood pooling within the interior 102 of the appendage 104. Moreover, the blood will interact with the arbitrarily intermingled array 110 of occlusion material 106 in a manner which will maintain at least minimal blood circulation and avoid revascularization.

Additional features of the formed arbitrarily intermingled array 110 of occlusion material 106 is the attachment of the proximal end 20′ to the distal extremity 22 of the distal end portion or cover structure 14. This connection will prevent inadvertent penetration or puncturing of the interior wall tissue of the left atrial appendage 104. Further, upon completion of the formation of the arbitrarily intermingled array 110 of occlusion material 106 within the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage 104, the remainder of the delivery instrument 110, such as the delivery tube or catheter 12 is detached from the corresponding end or hub 24 and/or the extremity 26′ of the linkage 26 and removed from the interior of the heart. As such, the opposite or distal end 20″ of the at least one single strand 20 of occlusion material 106 will remain attached to the distal end portion or cover structure 14.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the assembly for performing an occlusion of the left atrial appendage is represented in detail in FIGS. 9 through 17. More specifically, a delivery instrument is generally indicated as 200 and includes an introduction member 202 structured for introduction or passage into the heart in an operative position. The operative position of the delivery instrument 200 comprises its direct communicating relation with the left atrial appendage, such as schematically represented with regard to the description of the different embodiments of FIGS. 7A, 7B and 8A-8C.

In addition, the delivery instrument 200 includes a positioning member 204 initially disposed telescopically within the interior of the introduction member 202 so as to be movable relative thereto. A cover structure 206 is initially connected to the distal end of the positioning member 204 so as to move therewith between an expanded orientation of FIGS. 11 through 15 and a collapsed orientation as represented in FIGS. 10 and 10A. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the cover structure 206 is removably connected to the positioning member 204 so as to be detached therefrom when the cover structure 206 is operatively disposed in closing relation to the entrance of the left atrial appendage 104, as schematically represented in FIG. 7B with regard to the above described embodiment and as also represented at least schematically in FIG. 13.

The selective detachment of the cover structure 206 from the positioning member 204 may be accomplished by an appropriate linkage or connector 226 which may be structurally and/or operatively similar to the connecting linkage 26 associated with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 6. It is emphasized that other connecting linkage may be utilized to facilitate the accurate position of the cover structure 206, when in the collapsed orientation of FIGS. 10 and 10A, as well as the detachment of the delivery instrument 200 there from, when the cover structure 206 is operatively disposed in the aforementioned covering relation to the entrance and interior of the left atrial appendage 104. As clearly represented in FIGS. 12 through 15, the cover structure 206 includes a plurality of ribs 208 each formed of a material having sufficient flexibility to provide an “inherent bias” thereto, which facilitates their “automatic” disposition from the collapsed orientation of FIGS. 10 and 10A into the expanded orientation of FIGS. 11 through 15.

Accordingly, the collapsed orientation of the cover structure 206 comprises the plurality of ribs 208 being disposed in substantially longitudinal alignment with one another and with the length and/or central axis of the delivery instrument 200. However, upon disposition of the cover structure 206 through the open end 202′ of the introduction member 202 the inherent bias associated with each of the plurality of ribs will force them into the expanded orientation comprising a radially outward, spaced apart orientation as represented throughout FIGS. 11 through 15. Additional features of the cover structure 206 include a central hub 210 interconnected to and disposed in interconnecting relation with each of the plurality of flexible material ribs 208. Therefore, the aforementioned expanded orientation of the cover member 206 may be further defined by the plurality of ribs 208 extending radially outward from the hub 210 in spaced apart orientation as clearly represented in FIG. 15.

Features of the cover structure 206 comprise the inclusion of the plurality of gripping members 212 connected to free or outer distal ends 208′ of at least some of the plurality of ribs 208. With primary reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, the gripping members 212 may have a pointed or other appropriate configuration to facilitate the penetration of the left atrial appendage 104 in an area adjacent to the entrance thereof as also schematically represented in the embodiments of FIGS. 8A through 8C. Further, each of the gripping members 212 is formed of a material having sufficient flexibility to also include the aforementioned “inherent bias”. Accordingly, when each of the plurality of ribs 208 are in the collapsed orientation on the interior of the introduction member 202, the plurality of gripping members 212 are substantially coplanar or at least longitudinally aligned with the remainder of the corresponding ones of the distal ends 208′ as clearly represented in FIGS. 10A and 16. Moreover, corresponding ones of the distal ends 208′ may have an at least partially apertured construction as at 208″ wherein the gripping members 212 are disposed within the interior of the corresponding opening or aperture, as at 208″ when the cover structure 206 is in the collapsed orientation.

However, due to the aforementioned inherent bias, once the ribs pass out through the opening 202′ into the expanded orientation of FIGS. 11 through 15, the plurality of gripping members 212 will extend transversely outward from the corresponding distal end 208′. In addition, each of the plurality of distal ends 208′, whether directly associated with a gripping member 212 or not, are structured to have an at least partially curvilinear configuration as clearly represented in FIG. 17. Therefore, the inherent bias integrated into each of the plurality of ribs 208, as well as the distal ends 208′ and the gripping members 212, will facilitate the “automatic” assumption of the configuration of the gripping members 212 and each of the distal ends 208′ as represented in FIG. 17. As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, each of the plurality of gripping members 212 extend transversely outward from the outer side 213 of the cover structure 206, wherein the inner or interior side 215 of the cover structure 206 faces inwardly towards the interior of the left atrial appendage 104 when the cover structure 206 is disposed in the expanded orientation and in covering relation to the entrance to the left atrial appendage 104, similar to the schematic representation of FIGS. 7A and 7B.

Other structural features of the cover structure 206 include a facing material or structure 218 disposed in covering relation to the plurality of ribs when in either the expanded or the collapsed orientations, as described above. Moreover, the facing material 218 may be formed of a Dacron® or other flexible and liquid impermeable material. The flexibility of the facing material 218 facilitates its movement in connected, covering relation to the plurality of ribs 208 as they move and/or are positioned between the collapsed and the expanded orientations.

Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 7, and again with at least partial reference to the schematic representations of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the delivery instrument 200 is structured to dispense at least one single strand of occlusion material 220 into the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage. The occlusion material 220 is progressively dispensed or fed through the cover structure 206 and more specifically through the opening 210′ of the hub 210 into the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage 104. Accordingly, the occlusion material 220 comprises at least one single strand of elongated flexible material such as, but not limited to, nitinol wire or chord. As applied, the length of the single strand of occlusion material 220 is progressively fed from the interior of the delivery instrument 200 and more specifically from the interior of the positioning members 204 through the hub 210. Moreover, a sufficient length of the occlusion material 220 is continuously and progressively fed into the interior 102 until at least a majority and/or substantially the entirety of the interior 102 is filled. Upon entry and due at least in part to the flexibility and the quantity of the single strand of occlusion material 220 as well as the progressively feeding or passage thereof to the interior 102, the single strand of occlusion material 220 will progressively form into an “arbitrarily intermingled array”. Such introduction or dispensing of the single strand of occlusion material 220 is accomplished while the cover structure 206 is in the aforementioned covering relation to the entrance of the interior 102 of the left atrial appendage 104.

Additional features of the cover structure 206 specifically, but not exclusively, including the cooperative structural and operative features of the plurality of ribs 208, gripping members 212, etc. include the plurality of ribs being collectively dimensioned and having sufficient flexibility to dispose the plurality of distal ends 208′ into connected relation with the tissue of the left atrial appendage immediately adjacent to the entrance thereof. Moreover, the distal ends 208′ collectively are disposed to substantially conform to the peripheral configuration of the entrance as generally represented in FIG. 13.

It is recognized by medical personnel familiar with the intended procedure of occluding the left atrial appendage that the entrance thereof has a generally non-symmetrical peripheral configuration. In addition, medical personnel have also termed the peripheral configuration of the entrance of the left atrial appendage to be at least partially or substantially oval. Accordingly, the flexibility and dimensions of the plurality of ribs allow them to substantially conform to the normal or conventional “oval” or other normal or conventional configuration of the periphery of the entrance of the left atrial appendage when disposed in the covering relation thereto as described above.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described, 

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly structured to perform an occlusion of the left atrial appendage, said assembly comprising: a delivery instrument structured for operative disposition in communicating relation with an interior of the left atrial appendage, said delivery instrument including a cover structure removably connected thereto, occlusion material comprising at least one elongated strand of flexible material mounted on said delivery instrument, said delivery instrument operative for progressive dispensing of the length of said one strand therefrom into the interior of the left atrial appendage, when said delivery instrument is in said operative disposition, and a dispensed portion of said one strand being of sufficient length and flexibility to at least partially fill and conform to the interior of the left atrial appendage.
 2. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said dispensed portion of said one strand being of sufficient length and flexibility to define a progressively formed arbitrarily intermingled array of said occlusion material within the interior of the left atrial appendage.
 3. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said cover structure is movably disposed between a collapsed orientation and an expanded orientation.
 4. An assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said cover structure comprises a hub and a plurality of ribs movable with and relative to said hub between said collapsed and expanded orientations.
 5. An assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said expanded orientation comprises said plurality of ribs extending radially outward from said hub into connected relation with the left atrial appendage substantially adjacent an entrance thereof.
 6. An assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said collapsed orientation comprises said plurality of ribs disposed within an interior of said delivery instrument in substantially longitudinally aligned relation to one another.
 7. An assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said collapsed orientation comprises said plurality of ribs disposed within an interior of said delivery instrument in substantially aligned relation to a length of said delivery instrument.
 8. An assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said cover comprises a plurality of flexible ribs extending radially outward from said hub in spaced relation to one another, when said cover structure is in said expanded orientation; each of said ribs including a distal end disposable in connected relation to an entrance of the left atrial appendage.
 9. An assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein said plurality of ribs are collectively dimensioned and sufficiently flexible to dispose said cover structure in covering relation to the entrance of the left atrial appendage.
 10. An assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said covering relation further comprises said distal ends of said plurality of ribs collectively disposed in conformance with a peripheral configuration of the entrance of the left atrial appendage.
 11. An assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said covering relation of said cover structure further comprises said distal ends of said plurality of ribs collectively disposed in conformance with a substantially normal peripheral configuration of the entrance of the left atrial appendage.
 12. An assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein said cover structure further comprises a facing structure connected to said plurality of ribs in covering relation thereto.
 13. An assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said facing structure is formed of a flexible, liquid impermeable material movable with said plurality of ribs into and out of said collapsed and expanded orientations.
 14. An assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein at least some of said plurality of ribs include a gripping member connected thereto and protruding outwardly from said distal end thereof, at least when said cover structure is in said expanded orientation.
 15. An assembly as recited in claim 14 wherein said plurality of gripping members are disposed and configured to at least partially penetrate the left atrial appendage adjacent the entrance thereof.
 16. An assembly as recited in claim 14 wherein said gripping members extend transversely outward from an outer side of corresponding ones of said distal ends of said plurality of ribs.
 17. An assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein at least some of said plurality of distal ends comprise a curvilinear configuration extending inwardly towards the interior of said left atrial appendage at least when said cover structure is in said expanded orientation and a covering relation to the interior of the left atrial appendage.
 18. An assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein each of said gripping members is formed of a material having sufficient flexibility to include an inherent bias; said collapsed orientation further comprising said gripping members disposed in substantially coplanar relation with a remainder of corresponding ones of said distal ends on an interior of said delivery instrument and said expanded orientation further comprises each of said gripping members biased transversely outward from corresponding ones of said distal ends, when said cover structure is in said expanded orientation.
 19. An assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said delivery instrument comprises an introduction member and a positioning member disposed within said introduction member, said cover structure connected to said positioning member and movable therewith relative to said introduction member between said collapsed and said expanded orientation.
 20. An assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein said cover structure is removably connected to said positioning member and detachable therefrom at least when said cover structure is in said expanded orientation.
 21. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said cover structure comprises a hub and a plurality of ribs formed of flexible material and movable with and relative to said hub between said collapsed and said expanded orientations; said hub cooperatively structured and disposed relative to said one strand to facilitate progressive passage of a length of said one strand through said hub, into the interior of the left atrial appendage when said delivery instrument is in said operative disposition and said cover structure is in said expanded orientation; said dispensed portion of said one strand being of sufficient length and flexibility to define a progressively formed, arbitrarily intermingled array of said occlusion material within the interior of the left atrial appendage.
 22. An assembly as recited in claim 21 wherein said plurality of ribs are collectively dimensioned and sufficiently flexible to dispose said cover structure in covering relation to the entrance of the left atrial appendage; said covering relation comprising three distal ends of said plurality of ribs collectively disposed in conformance with a peripheral configuration of the entrance of the left atrial appendage.
 23. A method for left atrial appendage occlusion comprising: positioning a delivery instrument in communicating relation with the entrance of the left atrial appendage and disposing a cover structure associated with the delivery instrument from a collapsed orientation into an expanded orientation, defining said expanded orientation to include a plurality of flexible ribs extending radially outward in spaced relation to one another from a central hub of the cover structure, connecting a distal end of each of said plurality of ribs to an entrance of the left atrial appendage to define a covering relation of said cover structure to the entrance and an interior of the left atrial appendage, defining the covering relation to include said plurality of distal ends collectively disposed in conformance with a normal peripheral configuration of the entrance of the left atrial appendage, progressively feeding the length of an elongated, single strand of flexible occlusion material outwardly from the delivery instrument, through said cover structure into the interior of the left atrial appendage, and at least partially filling the interior of the left atrial appendage with the single strand and progressively forming an arbitrarily intermingled array of occlusion material within the interior of the left atrial appendage.
 24. A method as recited in claim 23 comprising feeding a sufficient length of the one single strand to progressively form the arbitrarily intermingled array into a size which substantially fills at least a majority of the interior of the left atrial appendage.
 25. A method as recited in claim 23 comprising disposing the arbitrarily intermingled array within the interior of the left atrial appendage in unconnected relation to corresponding interior tissue portions to the left atrial appendage.
 26. A method as recited in claim 24 further comprising connecting a distal end of the single strand of occlusion material to the cover structure and progressively forming a remainder of the single strand into the arbitrarily intermingled array within the left atrial appendage. 